Share
Unifor members from across the country gathered in Port Elgin from June 5 to 8 to strategize, learn, and fight for a stronger social safety net at the union’s annual EI/CPP Conference.
In a year defined by seismic political upheaval, high costs-of-living, and economic uncertainty, the need for Canada’s Employment Insurance and pension plans to meet the realities facing workers today is not only urgent, but also essential. Unifor members know that the system is broken—and are organizing to fix it.
“We only need to look south of the border to see what happens when governments abandon social supports,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi to delegates in a keynote address. “No worker should ever have to struggle to survive while out of a job—or enter retirement without the support they’ve earned.”
With deep policy discussions, hands-on workshops, and calls to action, the conference served as a powerful reminder that when it comes to pensions and employment insurance, workers are leading the charge.
Over four days, delegates took part in packed plenaries and workshops focused on everything from navigating EI appeals to understanding the latest changes to the Canada and Quebec Pension Plans. On the first day of the conference, delegates observed a moment of silence in honour of Dan Cushenan—a fierce and passionate advocate for strengthening Employment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan whose work continues to inspire the fight to strengthen workers’ social safety net. The opening night featured a smudging ceremony led by Elder Shirley John, followed by a compelling panel on making EI issues political, moderated by Erin Harrison and featuring labour leaders Pam Frache from the Workers’ Action Centre, Unifor Local 40 President Dwayne Gunness, and Unifor National Representative Marc Brennan.
Hashi praised the work of local and regional EI/CPP committee members, calling them the “backbone of our advocacy.” She also highlighted Unifor’s recent victories in securing temporary EI measures in response to job losses caused by U.S. tariffs. Known as “Pilot Project 24,” these measures include waiving the EI waiting period and adjusting regional unemployment thresholds to make more workers eligible for benefits.
“Temporary measures aren’t enough. Unifor will continue to fight for permanent, structural EI reform—starting with a universal entrance requirement, 50 weeks of benefits, and a 75% income replacement rate,” continued Hashi.
On the pensions front, members examined recent enhancements to both CPP and QPP. These include increased disability coverage, higher pensionable earnings, and expanded death benefits. Unifor’s Pensions and Benefits department emphasized the need for ongoing vigilance and organizing to ensure these programs remain robust, universal, and fully funded—especially as more workers age into retirement.
Unifor has repeatedly pushed for EI reform, including during the 2020 pandemic, when temporary CERB and EI improvements drastically increased accessibility. But after those reforms were allowed to lapse, only 34% of unemployed workers were receiving EI by 2024—down from 85% during the height of pandemic supports.
That’s why the conference placed strong emphasis on political action. Delegates heard from frontline activists and board of appeal members about how to navigate claims, organize campaigns, and stay informed in a constantly shifting policy environment.
“There’s clearly so much more we can do to make the system better,” said Hashi. “And being here together—learning from one another, building skills, sharing stories—is how we move forward.”
As delegates packed up and prepared to head home, the message was clear: Unifor members are not waiting for change—they’re organizing to demand it.
Find the photos from the conference in Unifor’s Facebook album.
